Poppa on Being a Poppa

Well I didn’t get to write about this last week because I was swamped with getting ready for the weekend and work. Even so, I still wanted to touch on the conversation I had with Poppa.

Now to understand why this conversation was so enlightening and caught me so off guard you need to at least have a small understanding of Poppa. (Note: NO ONE will EVER completely understand Poppa. LOL) Poppa is easily one of the oldest members of our group. And although I’d never say it to him he’s about twice my age. Poppa says everything on his mind and tells it how it is. No Fear. No Regret. Him and his awesome wife are HARDCORE Party-ers. They have traveled the world and seen and done things that even I wouldn’t dare to imagine. Even though he is more then a bit rough around the edges he’s got a very kind heart and would kill for any member of our group at the drop of a dime.

With all that in mind let me return to the previous Friday. We’re all hanging out around the bar at our friend’s birthday party. I’m pouring drinks (like normal) Poppa’s beside me. I offer to get Mrs. Cardz a drink. She declines. Well Poppa’s on that in a second. Like I said he’s a hardcore party-er and wants to see everyone having a good time.

He jokingly says ”What are you Pregnant?” Mrs. Cardz and I both quickly protest. Much to my amazement Poppa replies “Why the Hell Not?”

Wait! What?

“Did you just ask why she ISN’T preggers?” I said

“Yeah” Poppa replies “I keep wondering why you two don’t have kids yet.”

Of all the people in the world I never would have expected Poppa to be one telling us to have kids. He’s the one that wants everyone to go out and party on the weekends. Why would he be asking us to give that up and have kids. So I say to him “Well we have too much fun coming out and partying with you guys we don’t want to give all this up by having kids.”

“What are you stupid?” He asks. (Again remember Poppa tells it how it is regardless of Political Correctness.) He continues “ Listen Grasshopper (Yeah he calls me Grasshopper. It’s a Long Story) You’re not a Douchebag. You come out and have a good time. You think just because you two got kids you’ll become a Douchebag. Sitting at home every weekend and never taking any time for each other.”

Never really though about it that way. I looked around the room and mentally did my own survey. Almost every couple that was there had at least one child. Sure some of the kids were older and could take care of themselves but the people standing around me had all been through what I expect to be the “tough years”.

I’m not saying I’m entirely Ready to have kids but Poppa certainly gave me a new perspective on it. Mrs. Cardz and I have a Great support system. We have great friends and families that would be more then happy to watch the kids while we take some time for each other.

I’m still concerned about losing our social life when we have kids but I’m sure we will find a comfortable balance.

~Jack